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As the loss of 19 men last year in wildfires near Yarnell, Ariz., made clear, there are many breaches in fortification against wildland fires, both for those who fight the conflagration and for those in nearby communities firefighters seek to protect.

Working to prevent that loss of life is of the highest importance. But the federal government's method of diverting forestry funds from the Midwest for use in wildfire-ravaged western states has consequences for us.

The economic impact of the undermanagement of forests such as the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is staggering. As more federal budget is redirected to fight fire, especially in the west, it is incumbent on states like Wisconsin and Michigan to use other tools to support forest and economic health.

Healthy communities in northern Wisconsin and healthy wood and paper industries throughout the state depend upon a healthy forested landscape, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. There is a valuable tool to support healthy forests and economies that Congress must consider: the renewal of stewardship contracting authority.

When authorized by Congress, stewardship contracting authority allows the U.S. Forest Service, in association with state and local governments, tribal agencies and non-governmental organizations such as economic development corporations to enter into long-term contracts with private companies or communities to carry out projects that can reduce the risk to forest health and in turn stimulate better economic health.

Chief among these projects is forest thinning, which benefits the health of the forest while generating economic support, in the form of jobs, for nearby communities and providing project partners with forest products to support industry.

Stewardship has its detractors; there are those who would rather invest their time eliminating the Natural Environmental Policy Act, or who cannot see the light as to how local municipalities can actually come out ahead by employing stewardship agreements. Still others propose having other governmental or even private entities take over national forest management at least in part; however, such a step would not eliminate the requirements of NEPA. Such a move would also be unacceptable to tribal agencies, as well as many other environmentally oriented organizations.

There is a bill before the U.S. Senate, the Stewardship Contracting Reauthorization and Improvements Act, that needs to be acted upon immediately. The legislation provides for a 10-year extension for federal agencies to enter into Stewardship agreements. The bill also provides the Forest Service flexibility when holding funds in reserve to compensate its partners in the event a contract is canceled.

In part, the bill will allow for long-term agreements for road and trail maintenance, habitat for wildlife and fisheries, removing vegetation or other activities to promote healthy forest stands, watershed restoration and maintenance and control of noxious and exotic weeds.

As Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell noted, more than 40 percent of the national forest is in need of thinning treatment. That is a staggering figure; unless Congress acts, the authority to enter into these agreements will end this month and an important tool will be lost.

U.S Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a member of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, voted in favor of this bill in committee. Wisconsin voters need to encourage Sen. Ron Johnson, who has been largely silent on this issue, to support this measure when it reaches the full Senate.

There is no room for fringe political interests hijacking something so crucial. Improved forest and economic health are also dependent on our U.S. House representatives for support when the bill moves there.

Finally, President Obama's signature will be necessary to put the stewardship authority to work for forest and economic health for the next 10 years.

When it comes to restoring forest and economic health we need all tools at our disposal. Congress should waste no time in providing every advantage to those who depend upon a healthy national forest, economically vibrant communities and sustainable local schools.

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Stewardship contracts would help address forestry needs: column

As the loss of 19 men last year in wildfires near Yarnell, Ariz., made clear, there are many breaches in fortification against wildland fires, both for those who fight the conflagration and for those

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